MP calls for action on heating oil thefts

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called for more to be done to help stop heating oil thefts in Cumbria.

In recent weeks thieves have stolen a large amount of heating oil from homes in Bowness and Sawrey. Since January, around eight heating oil thefts in rural parts of south Cumbria have been reported to police.

Cumbria Police are advising residents to dial 999 in an emergency or if they think they are witnessing a crime in action, or to call 101 to pass non urgent information.

Tim said: "The price of heating fuel is making this a lucrative crime sadly. The people who are doing this are causing real hardship to local residents, and more must be done to catch them. To steal heating fuel from people just after a real cold snap is appalling, particularly given that many of the victims will be elderly. "